Intermediates and process for insecticidal 4-phenyl-2-indanyl esters

ABSTRACT

Compounds of formulae II, III and IV: ##STR1## are useful intermediates for preparation of an insecticidal compound of formula (I): ##STR2## The intermediate II is prepared by reacting the acid halide, alkali metal salt, or lower alkyl ester of 3,3-dimethyl-4-pentenoic acid with a compound of the formula ##STR3## in which X is a hydroxy group or a leaving group. Intermediate III is prepared by reacting II with 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane in the presence of a solvent, a solvating agent, and a catalyst. Intermediate III is then di-dehydrochlorinated in the presence of base, in one or two steps, to produce I.



